Hot Water Beach, Geothermal beach in Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand
The 1.5-kilometer stretch of golden sand features natural underground springs that release water reaching temperatures of 64 degrees Celsius through the surface.
The thermal waters of Hot Water Beach have sustained the indigenous Ngāti Hei iwi communities since their early settlement in the Coromandel Peninsula region.
Local Māori tribes maintain their ancestral connection to this geothermal site through traditional practices and knowledge passed down through generations.
Visitors need to check local tide schedules and arrive two hours before or after low tide to access the thermal waters beneath the sand.
During low tide, people can create their personal thermal pools by digging into specific spots where hot springs emerge through the beach sand.
Location: Thames-Coromandel District
GPS coordinates: -36.87980,175.81888
Latest update: May 27, 2025 06:53
New Zealand provides photographic subjects ranging from the Southern Alps to sand beaches on both coastlines. The landscape includes thermal springs in Rotorua, glaciers like Franz Josef and Tasman, and fjords in Fiordland. Mount Cook dominates the alpine region while the Coromandel Peninsula holds beaches including Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing traverses volcanic terrain and Mount Taranaki rises above Taranaki. Coastal formations like the Moeraki Boulders, Split Apple Rock and Nugget Point demonstrate geological variety. Natural waterfalls including Purakaunui Falls and Whangarei Falls sit among native forests. Cultural sites complement the natural geography. The Hobbiton Movie Set near Matamata displays the film location from the Tolkien adaptation. Larnach Castle near Dunedin represents colonial architecture. Te Puia and Wai-O-Tapu demonstrate geothermal activity with geysers and colored pools. Waitomo Caves contains glowworm caverns. Lake Tekapo offers clear night skies for stargazing. Viewpoints like Roy's Peak near Wanaka and Queenstown Hill sit above lake landscapes. Remote regions including Cape Reinga at the northern tip and Cape Palliser in the Wairarapa show different coastal environments. The Forgotten World Highway crosses historic mountain country on the North Island.
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